Sweet City Chat

The Ezra Taylor fields have been part of Vidalia for decades. Once home to church league softball, the complex eventually became underutilized, sitting largely vacant while the needs of local recreation programs continued to grow.

In this special video episode of Sweet City Chat, we're bringing together five guests to tell the story of how Ezra Taylor found a new purpose.

From soccer teams practicing in baseball outfields to the City's decision to transform the existing complex, we look back at where it all started, what it took to make the project happen, and what these improvements mean for local families.

With newly sodded fields, upgraded lighting, a renovated field house, and significant support from state grant funding, Ezra Taylor is once again a place where Vidalia's young athletes can play, compete, and grow.

It's a story about making the most of what we already have, meeting the needs of a new generation, and giving a familiar place a new beginning.

Vidalia is growing, and city leaders are taking steps to make sure we're prepared for what's ahead.

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sits down with Mayor Doug Roper and Councilwoman Jennifer Evans to talk about the progress happening across Vidalia and a major step toward managing future growth: the creation of a dedicated City Planner position.

From development and zoning to infrastructure and long-term planning, the conversation explores why the City is shifting from a reactive approach to a more proactive one, what this new position will mean for residents and developers, and how today's decisions will help shape Vidalia for years to come.

It's a conversation about where we've been, how far we've come, and making sure we're ready for what's next.

Sweet City Chat is back — and there’s a lot to catch up on.

After a few months away, Zac Moore sits down with City Manager Josh Beck to talk about what’s been happening across Vidalia. They dig into the major capital projects underway, what’s coming next, where the city is investing, and what residents can expect to see taking shape in the months ahead.

We’re also recording this one from a new spot — Parlor’s new office on Meadows Street — before getting into a much bigger conversation about where Vidalia is today and where it’s headed.

It’s one of the busiest times of the year in Vidalia — and it doesn’t happen by accident.

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Heather Mead, Chair of the Onion Festival Committee, and Billy Reagan, Chair of the Airshow Committee, to talk about what it really takes to pull these events off.

If you’re planning to be there — or just curious how it all comes together — this one gives you a better appreciation for the people making it happen.

Get your tickets here ---> https://www.vidaliaonionfestival.com/tickets

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with chef and media personality Skye Estroff, this year’s featured guest for the Onion Festival cooking demo.

With family roots in Vidalia and a growing presence in the food and media world. Skye shares her journey, her connection to this community, and what she’s looking forward to as part of this year’s festival.

If you’re planning to be at Onion Festival, this is a great way to get to know the chef you’ll see on stage.

Skye's Nini on Bobby Flay

Skye’s Website <—

Buy Tickets <—

What brings people to Vidalia — and what keeps them coming back?

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Alexa Britton, Director of the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talk about how our city tells its story to the world. From the role of Visit Vidalia to the experience of the Vidalia Onion Museum, Alexa gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how tourism works in a community like ours.

We also dive into what this time of year really looks like as Onion Festival season ramps up — one of the busiest and most exciting times in Vidalia. From planning and promotion to the energy it brings into town, this episode highlights why tourism is such an important part of our local identity and economy.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or seeing Vidalia through fresh eyes, this episode is all about what makes our city worth visiting — and worth celebrating.

• What the Vidalia Convention & Visitors Bureau actually does
• How Visit Vidalia helps promote the city
• The story and experience behind the Vidalia Onion Museum
• Why tourism matters to Vidalia’s growth and identity
• What's coming for the 2026 Vidalia Onion Festival season

Visit Vidalia: www.visitvidalia.com

City of Vidalia: www.vidaliaga.gov

Sweet City Chat is the official podcast of the City of Vidalia, highlighting the people, projects, and progress shaping our community.

Produced by Jaden banks & Hosted by Zac Moore

In this episode of Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Michele Johnson, Executive Director of the Toombs County Development Authority and President of the Greater Vidalia Chamber of Commerce.

We talk about the growth happening across our region — from activity in the industrial park to the role of the Tax Allocation District in attracting new investment. We also explore how the Chamber and local partners are supporting entrepreneurs and building a stronger business community from the ground up.

If you’ve ever wondered how projects get off the ground and what’s shaping the future of Vidalia, this is the conversation behind it all.

In Part 2 of our Public Safety series, we sit down with Fire Chief Brian Sikes to talk about what’s happening at the Vidalia Fire Department. From a new fire station tied to recent annexation to updated trucks and equipment, we take a look at how the department is growing to better serve the community.

We also highlight the people behind the department and the role they play in keeping Vidalia safe every day — and what’s ahead for fire service in 2026.

In this episode of the Sweet City Chat, we sit down with Vidalia Police Chief Rob Shore as part of our Public Safety series. Nearly a year into his role, Chief Shore shares how the department has upgraded patrol vehicles, implemented new technology to improve efficiency, and strengthened partnerships with surrounding agencies.

We talk about what those improvements mean for the community, how proactive policing is shaping the department’s approach, and what’s ahead for public safety in 2026.

Welcome to a brand-new year in the Sweet Onion City. In this first episode of 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on where we’ve been — and where we’re headed.

As Josh put it, 2025 was a year of steadying the ship, laying the groundwork, and gaining momentum. Now, as we step into 2026, the focus shifts to growth — smart, intentional, community-driven growth. From major infrastructure wins to new opportunities on the horizon, this episode sets the tone for a year that promises big things for Vidalia.